Your guide to attending the SEEK Exhibition in Berlin

Two times per year, the SEEK Exhibition, a contemporary fashion trade show, draws tens of thousands of visitors to Berlin. The next event, happening Jan. 14-16, 2020, will feature more than 250 brands offering the latest in streetwear, sneakers and skateboarding products.

Whether attending for business or pleasure, SEEK offers a chance to meet and collaborate with top visionaries in the fashion industry. Guests will enjoy a showcase of brands, promoting individuality and offering products for all tastes. Attendees will experience street culture at its finest and witness the true craftsmanship behind the gear and apparel. 

With the NFL’s Super Bowl fast approaching on Feb. 2, the SEEK Exhibition is the ideal time to stock up on football garments before placing bets on the winning team. There are plenty of Berlin sports pubs to catch the NFL playoff games, providing timely opportunities to dawn stylish supporting jerseys.

In addition to urbanwear and sportswear, the portfolio will include footwear, accessories, gadgets, beauty products, stationery and homewares. 

The SEEK Exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, leaving plenty of spare time for tourists to explore the city. Here are a few top lodging picks, tourist attractions and tasty and restaurants to help fill time away from the trade show.

Lodging

For a practical lodging option, make a reservation at one of the trade show’s partnering hotels. The following spots are offering special rates for SEEK guests:

Hotel Zoo Berlin, Lifestyle Hotel
Sir Savigny
Hotel Bristol Berlin
Titanic Gendarmentmarkt Berlin
Catalonia

For those who are in the market for a more cultural experience in Germany’s capital city, check out some of these options:

Berlin Gorki Apartments
This is a popular destination for guests looking for more luxurious and family-friendly accommodations. With well-furnished kitchenettes, this spot offers the comforts of home mixed with a funky yet contemporary vibe. The facility also offers babysitting services and is dog-friendly. It is located among some of Berlin’s most compelling shops, galleries and restaurants. 

B&B Hotel Berlin-Tiergarten
For guests traveling on a budget, this family-friendly establishment is an option to consider. A complimentary breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi are among the amenities offered. While the rooms are compact, refreshing colors and floor-to-ceiling windows open up the spaces.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski
Berlin is a popular choice for romantic getaways. Those looking for a more intimate experience and got lots of company money may want to explore the Hotel Adlon Kempinski. The historic landmark hotel offers intricate decor, vibrant colors and a touch of luxury.

Restaurants

European cuisine is diverse, and Germany is largely known for its wursts ( Currywurst ), sauerkraut and wheat beer. Here are some reputable eateries for experiencing the flavors of Germany.

Skykitchen
Located on the 12th floor, this restaurant is known for its exquisite view of the city. Enjoy a fine dining experience with mouthwatering dishes and unique cocktail selections. The environment is both high-end and comfortable with a mixture of unpolished concrete flooring, unique flea market finds and carefully-placed copper elements. Among the diverse options, the menu features a “brinner” section, which combines the most delicious aspects of breakfast and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available on the menu.

Restaurant Buschbeck’s
Quaint and cozy are words that have been used to describe this local dining option. This bar and restaurant is nestled away on a quiet side street and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features German favorites and a diverse wine selection. Guests can choose from a variety of meat-inspired options including duck, ham and pork.

Lokal
Lokal features a minimalistic aesthetic with white walls and hanging lamps. Seasonal farm-to-table Europen dishes make up the menu, so the selection varies depending on the season. Meat-free options are also available, and guests can enjoy a variety of beverages from the bar.

Pubs

For many Germans, beer drinking is a way of life. It is a world-renowned fact that beer is a major part of German heritage and culture. Here are some hot spots to enjoy a cold one.

BrewDog
BrewDog is a multinational brewery and pub chain based in Scotland. It prides itself on its diverse beer selection that is largely born out of experimentation. At the Berlin location, pizza and beer are served in a spacious taproom that is a mix of funky and elegant. Modern light fixtures combined with large windows make for bright ambiance. Guests can also opt to drink and dine at an outdoor picnic table.

BRLO Brwhouse
Here, the unique kitchen options play off of the many beer choices. Emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, the pub strives to offer unique pairing options visitors will remember. Guests may also book a tour of the facility, which features a large Biergarten. A rotating selection of Helles, Pale Ales, German IPS, Porters and Berliner Weisse come in the form of drafts, bottles and cans. 

Hops & Barley
Established in 2008, this brewhouse is a renovated 1950s butcher shop. Guests often gather to watch sports on the screens. Find on the menu a mix of unfiltered pilsners and weizens as well as home-brewed ciders and IPAs.

Enjoy the city

The SEEK Exhibition will take place at Arena Berlin. The area is described as one of the liveliest in the city. Because the event is happening during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, don’t miss the opportunity to get in on more of the action. 

The weather in Berlin is rather cold in January, with highs typically falling in the 30s 40s (measured in degrees Fahrenheit). Those attending the event should remember to pack warm clothing and other travel essentials.